Malloy: CT ends chronic homelessness among veterans

Gov. Dannel Malloy announced on Thursday that the state has ended chronic homeless among veterans. (WFSB file photo)

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) -

The governor said the state is ending homeless among veterans and was recognized by the federal government on Thursday.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the federal government has certified Connecticut for ending homeless in state for veterans. The state is being recognized after the governor said they “implemented a comprehensive, unprecedented system to target homelessness among veterans.”

"This milestone is a major one - we have been a national leader on so many issues and today is yet another reflection. We have a responsibility to take care of our veterans, to ensure that veterans have access to housing, quality health care, education, and career opportunities,” Malloy said in a statement on Thursday.

In 2014, Malloy said Connecticut was one of the first states to sign up for a national initiative to end veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. Malloy said he is proud of the state's accomplishment.

“Just a few years ago, there was no Department of Housing in Connecticut. Today, we're being recognized for reaching the high goals that we've set. We've built the infrastructure, through a network of partnerships and investments, to the point at which our housing and supports delivers a home to every veteran in our state,” Malloy said.

However, Malloy said the state cannot stop here.

“We will keep working to end chronic homelessness in Connecticut by the end of this year,” Malloy said.

The First Lady Michelle Obama has spearheaded the Mayors’ Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness. She sent a letter to Malloy congratulating him on his accomplishment.

"I am so proud of your state's commitment and resolve to reach this milestone, and I am grateful for all you have done for America's heroes,” Obama wrote in the letter.

Connecticut has worked to end “chronic homelessness among veterans.” Chronic homelessness among veterans was defined as person with a disability who has been homeless for a period of at least one year or has had three or more episodes of homelessness that total one year.

The state said it has “effectively eliminated homelessness among all veterans.”

"Connecticut's national leadership on veteran homelessness is commendable, but most importantly, it means the men and women who have bravely served our country can more easily re-integrate into civilian life,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said in a statement on Thursday.

A partnership of local, state, and federal organizations works to create a system that ensures that “when there is a new episode of homelessness, it is brief and non-recurring,” governor’s office said.

"This is a powerful example of how local, state, and federal leaders can come together to solve complex problems. Governor Malloy's leadership and the state's investments have been the keystone to our success," Alicia Woodsby, Executive Director of the Partnership for Strong Communities, said in a statement on Thursday.

Technical Discussion

THE FINAL DAY OF SPRING… Some overnight cloud cover prevented temperatures this morning from going as cold as they could have, if the sky would’ve been clear. Now that they’re eroding, the rest of the day will be mostly sunny. After starting out in the 20s and low 30s, temperatures will peak in the upper 30s and lower 40s this afternoon – well below the average high of 49!

THE FINAL DAY OF SPRING… Some overnight cloud cover prevented temperatures this morning from going as cold as they could have, if the sky would’ve been clear. Now that they’re eroding, the rest of the day will be mostly sunny. After starting out in the 20s and low 30s, temperatures will peak in the upper 30s and lower 40s this afternoon – well below the average high of 49!

Technical Discussion

Monday will be bright and chilly. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30s in inland sections and lower 40s along the shore. A cell of high pressure will move overhead, and then to the east of the region today and will be the dominating factor in the weather, thus promising the quieter spell.

Monday will be bright and chilly. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30s in inland sections and lower 40s along the shore. A cell of high pressure will move overhead, and then to the east of the region today and will be the dominating factor in the weather, thus promising the quieter spell.